40: Trauma Symposium Lectures - The Multiply Injured Patient

Question 1

what is the leading cause of death in under 40 year olds in the UK?

Answer 1

trauma related injury
e.g. RTA

Question 2

what does a primary survey for trauma assessment include?

Answer 2

detects and treats immediate threats to life using ABCDE:
- Airway with C-spine control
- Breathing with O2
- Circ. with haemorrhage control sometimes catastrophic haemorrhage is first priority to treat > no point securing airway if they have bled out their entire blood volume in this time
- Disability e.g. neuro exam
- Expose and environment

Question 3

what does a secodnary survey for a trauma assessment include?

Answer 3

identification of all injuries and more detailed history

Question 4

when should you assume C-spine injury in a major trauma case?

Answer 4

• dangerous mechanism involved e.g. RTA
• reduced conscious level
• injury above clavicles
• neurological signs

Question 5

what is the lethal triad when assessing circulation in a major trauma case?

Answer 5

• coagulopathy
• acidosis
• hypothermia

Question 6

what is the modern approach for investigating major trauma?

Answer 6

• US
• Fast scan
• CT

Minimal handling during secondary survey:
- possibly no log roll
- trauma mattress
- dont spring the pelvis